The Emergency Bag - Why Authors Need One

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You never know when you’re going to need something. Over the years, I’ve learned to pack a supply or an emergency bag for the just in case. Here are some things I’ve learned to have handy:

  • A bottle (or two) of water and a snack (I have been to some venues where there were no snacks or drinks.)

  • Tissues

  • A box of books in the trunk of my car (You never know if the order was delayed. Or what happens if you sell out!)

  • Extra pens (At my very first book signing, I didn’t want to carry my purse inside. I grabbed my keys and pen. The pen died, and I had to borrow one from my mom.)

  • Paperclips, scissors, and a marker

  • An extra tent card with my name (Sometimes, they’re not provided.)

  • A roll of painters’ tape (You never know when you’ll need to hang something, and this kind of tape doesn’t stick to the walls.)

  • My name tag (in case one isn’t provided)

  • A tablecloth

  • A small candy dish for candy or give-aways

  • Bandages or a small first aid kit (You never know.)

  • A phone charger

  • Extra business cards (You never know when you’ll make a contact.)

I wrote about some of my oopsies at events over the years in an article for the Sisters in Crime anthology, Promophobia. This is a great collection of over sixty articles on book marketing. Check it out. And many thanks to Diane Vallere for organizing and editing the project.